Why Mohammed Ihattaren should pick Manchester City over Chelsea
According to Calciomercato, Chelsea and Manchester City are monitoring PSV Eindhoven’s 16-year-old attacking midfielder Mohammed Ihattaren. Barcelona and Inter Milan are also keeping close tabs on the youngster.
Born to Moroccan parents, Ihattaren joined local club SV Houten at an early age. He then joined current club PSV in 2010, when he was just seven years old and has come up the ranks at Rood-Witten. He made 11 appearances for the under-17’s last season – scored two goals and picked up four assists. His impressive performances at that level got him two games for the under-19’s, where he picked up an assist.
This season, Ihattaren is a regular for the under-19’s. The 16-year-old has five goals and two assists to his name in 12 games and has also featured in the UEFA youth league. He scored a goal in PSV’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham youth team and also picked up assists against Barcelona and Inter Milan. With impressive performances there, the teenager was promoted to the first-team and has come off the bench two times in the Eredivisie.
Ihattaren was a part of the Dutch team that defeated England to win the 2018 European Under-17 Championship. He has earned seven caps for the Netherlands under-19 team overall.
The midfielder likes to play as a number 10 but is also capable of playing on the wings. The 16-year-old is fast, skilful and has a brilliant eye for a key pass. His playing style is very similar to Mesut Ozil in his Schalke and Werder Bremen days. Ihattaren is defined as a left-footed playmaker, capable of producing brilliant through balls, set-pieces, direct free-kicks and calmness with the ball in the final third.
Now, with big clubs circling, he should make a decision about his future. Chelsea and Manchester City look keen but if the choice is given, the youngster should jump at the opportunity to work under Pep Guardiola. The Spaniard’s style of play will suit Ihattaren and he will fulfil his massive potential. With similar playing style to City stars Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva, the Dutchman can learn from the duo and make his name in England.
If he does move to Chelsea, there is a possibility of the youngster moving out on loan and being forgotten. Young talents like Lucas Piazon, Marco van Ginkel, Charly Musonda among others were expected to be world beaters, but haven’t fulfilled their original potential due to a weird loan system of the London club. Hence, a move to the Etihad makes more sense.
Mohammed Ihatarren’s contract with PSV ends in 2020 and the club could be willing to cash in on the 16-year-old if a sizeable offer does come in.
